B2B Ecommerce Predictions for 2019
Getting to grips with B2B ecommerce trends before your competitors do is crucial for any online business. With literally billions being spent online every year in the UK, fine tuning your approach can significantly increase sales. If you want to lead from the front, now is the time to discover what will influence buyer decisions in 2019.
As another year of growth draws to a close, Comgem outlines its predictions for B2B ecommerce in 2019. It is the UK’s foremost name in B2B ecommerce development and is the brand behind the multi award-winning Gemsuite ecommerce platform.
AI to power efficiency
Artificial intelligence is the new cornerstone in B2B ecommerce efficiency. It gives users a competitive advantage. Comgem predicts AI will take on greater significance in 2019. It says, those without the technology could get left behind.
Areas likely to benefit most from AI include product recommendations, logistics, Natural Language Processing (NLP) and, importantly, personalisation. Businesses who use AI to personalise a website visitor’s experience and in marketing campaigns can expect to see an increase in sales of up to 10 per cent, according to validated research.
Increased consumer influences
B2B ecommerce customers will have more power to influence what sells and what doesn’t online in 2019. How do you impact consumer behaviour to drive more sales in this environment? Comgem says enhanced technology that delivers better customer experiences is the way forward. It urges B2B ecommerce businesses to ensure their websites have omnichannel capabilities, offer comprehensive product information and embrace better delivery options.
Free shipping, next day delivery and websites that work seamlessly whatever device the customer is using are all key points for the B2B ecommerce sector to embrace. Offering more choice and providing value should also be top priorities. Using real-time data through integrations will be pivotal. Comgem is reminding B2B enterprises that many of today’s buyers are Millennials and they expect a B2C user experience even on a B2B website.
More micro targeting
Making customers true fans of your brand has never been harder. In 2019, the B2B sector will have to adopt micro targeting to bring their products to the fore. Comgem says technology that allows B2B ecommerce platforms to micro target individual customers will be important. It cites increased personalisation and better content as answers.
Micro targeting requires an effortless CMS to ensure you can update your website regularly with fresh content. An ecommerce platform that is integrated with social media will also help to micro target specific groups of people. Add to that personalised website experiences and personalised marketing and you will understand what is required to stay relevant.
Want to ensure your B2B business is ready to meet the challenges of 2019? Book a free demonstration of Gemsuite, the UK’s market-leading B2B ecommerce solution.